DeChambeau Receives Two-Stroke Penalty at 2026 Open After Improving Swing Path in Tall Grass

Bryson DeChambeau was not informed of a two-stroke penalty until after completing what he believed was a round of 4-under 66 in the second round of the 2026 Open Championship. The penalty, assessed for improving the area of his intended swing in tall grass on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, changed his score on that hole from a bogey 5 to a triple-bogey 7.

After the adjustment, his second-round score dropped from 7 under to 5 under.

DeChambeau and R&A officials returned to the native area right of the fifth fairway after his round to reenact the swing. The R&A's executive director of governance, Grant Moir, stated on July 17 that the rule applies even when the action is accidental, as it was in DeChambeau's case.

Rory McIlroy shot a 1-under 69 in the third round and stood at 2 over after 54 holes. McIlroy said on July 18 that there was no doubt DeChambeau improved the line of his backswing and that the two-shot penalty was justified for sure. McIlroy added that he was not particularly fond of DeChambeau and that holding up the tournament to argue the penalty did not feel like a great look.

Homa stated after his round that he has known DeChambeau for a very long time and believes he would never cheat the game of golf. Russell Henley described the penalty situation as a tough one for DeChambeau.